After a nine-day frenzy, the curtain has finally come down for the 10th China Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, or Auto China 2008. The extravaganza showcased nearly 900 vehicles produced by various car makers from home and abroad. More than 600,000 visitors thronged to the event.

After a nine-day frenzy, the curtain has finally come down  for the 10th China Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, or Auto China 2008.

This year's auto show boasts a record scale. A newly built exhibition center has been specially put into use. With a total area of 180,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor space, Auto China 2008 stands to become Asia's largest automotive exhibition, featuring 2,100 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions. A total of 890 models are on displayed, with seven global debuts and 24 Asian debuts. Nearly 100 new models have appeared at the show.

The large number of visitors suggests Chinese consumers' enthusiasm about cars. The last show in 2006 attracted over 600,000 visitors. This year, more have come to experience the hottest models.

One visitor said "I am looking around. I am interested in buying a car at a price of about 1 million yuan, such as an Audi. And I'm also interested in a small Panda model for family shopping."

Another visitor said "I already have a car. But I am considering a change to a better model. "

Another visitor said "I am interested in a MPV at the price about 200,000 yuan. I hope it can be used for both business and family."

With demand slowing in major US, Japanese and European markets, global brands are looking to China, the world's second-largest auto market, to fuel growth.

General Motors, Ford and Volkswagen, among others, are showcasing their new designs at the show, hoping the booming market in China can drive up sales this year.

John Parker, Executive Vice President of Ford said "The business is growing very strongly. We have an exciting product line up, and we've got brand new products behind me that we are launching in the Chinese market later this year."

Luxury brands such as Germany's BMW and Daimler's Mercedes division are also eyeing China's growing wealth to boost global demand for top-end vehicles.

BMW's China venture, Brilliance Auto, plans to nearly triple capacity in the next four years, aiming to produce around 100,000 vehicles a year by 2012.